Photos - The Korea Times

Figured matting Hwamunseok

By Shim Hyun-chul In seasoned hands of weavers, thin strands of a species of sedge called tall flatsedge are entwined. After countless crossovers, the stems turn into “hawmunseok,” or a Korean wooden carpet. The name of the handicraft means flower carpet. A craftsman peels off the green outer layer of the plants that resemble rushes to dry. One may color some strips to create a pattern. Ganghwa-gun in Incheon, west of Seoul, is famous for the craftwork. The area even exported such items from the Goryeo Kingdom (936-1392). Along with ginseng, they were the most popular commodities among foreigners. During the Joseon Kingdom(1392-1910), royalty sent them to China as gifts. Tall flatsedge, the main material used, grows in paddies in Ganghwa-gun as well as the Yeongnam and Honam areas. It is also found in Japan and China. The finished goods carry the characteristic of the plant. They are sturdy and let air through, making them perfect to keep the body cool in summer. In the winter, they can fend off chills. The natural oil prevents any breakage. The intricate patterns make

Mar 29, 2012

Ganghwa peace observatory

By Shim Hyun-chul “The memory of crossing the Han River on a wooden raft 60 years ago, it’s still so vivid in my mind. I came with my parents and my sister had just gotten married the day before the Korean War broke out. We still haven’t heard from her since,” said Choi Sun-nam, 74, as his eyes filled with tears. Choi was at the Ganghwa Peace Observatory, casting longing looks toward North Korea. The observatory is located in Cheolsan-ri, Ganghwa County, in the northernmost part of Incheon, a port city about 40 kilometers west of Seoul. It’s where the residents of Yeonbaek Plains in Hwanghae Province mostly settled after fleeing the 1950-1953 Korean War. At the observatory, former North Korean residents like Choi can often be spotted. About 220,000 former North Korean residents visited the spot last year. From the observatory that opened in 2008, North Korea is only 2.3 kilometers away while the Gaeseong Industrial complex is about 17 kilometers from it. To its left are the Yeonbaek Plains and to the right, one can see glimpses of Gaepung County in North Korea. The obser

Mar 22, 2012

Yeonmi Pavillion

By Shim Hyun-chul Ganghwa Island ― Ganghwa Island, the nation’s fourth largest island situated at the mouth of the Han River, used to be a heavily contested area between rival kingdoms. It was where Goryeo battled against a Mongolian invasion and where the Joseon Kingdom encountered Western imperial powers. Its rich and tumultuous history has left behind numerous cultural properties. And because the island sits between North and South Korea, its beautiful nature wears the story of Korean division with its barbed wire fences. One of the 10 top cultural properties the island boasts of is the Yeonmi Pavillion. Small in stature, about 40 square meters, it sits elegantly with its 10 pillars surrounded by stone walls and a towering zelkova serrata tree. The name Yeonmi, meaning swallow’s tail, comes from the shape of its nearby terrain carved like a bird’s tail as the waters from the Imjin and Han Rivers meet. Designated as Tangible Cultural Property No. 24, it’s not clear when the pavilion was built, but it underwent reconstruction in the 18th and 19th centuries. There

Mar 15, 2012By Shim Hyun-chul

Reenactment of Joseon royal marriage

By Shim Hyun-chul What was a royal marriage like in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910)? The “Uigwe” or royal protocols that were returned last year to Korea from France, after an absence of 145 years, testify that royal weddings were magnificent. Numerous vassals lined up behind the king while the royal band filled the court with music, adding to the splendor. On Monday, the National Museum of Korea, in cooperation with the Presidential Council on Nation Branding reenacted a royal wedding in Seoul. It was to bring to life some of the Uigwe’s content. For a court wedding, the Joseon Kingdom employed several thousands of people over several months to organize the procedure of six aspects of the wedding ceremony. The procedure comprises “napchae” “napjing,” “gogi,” “chaekbi,” ”chinyeong” and “dongrae.” For instance “napchae” indicates sending a messenger with a formal proposal letter to the future queen, while the “chaekbi” step is the crowning the future queen and “dongrae means the consummation of the royal marriage. The red wedding robe and the crown of the queen-to-be a

Mar 8, 2012

Security all set for Seoul nuke summit

By Shim Hyun-chul, Park Si-soo Thunderous bangs are heard and yellowish toxic smoke starts billowing from a terrace on the second floor of the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae. Several heavily-armed terrorists in black combat gear quickly rappel down into the building in an attempt to launch a deadly attack on President Lee Myung-bak. Lee’s security officials dash to the scene and engage the invaders with a barrage of gunshots, turning the high-security place into chaos. But don’t fret. This was part of an anti-terrorism drill hosted by the presidential office on Monday ahead of the 2010 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit. Leaders of more than 50 countries and international organizations will participate in the March 26 and 27 summit whose ultimate goal is making a world free of nuclear terrorism. “Detailed measures have been set up to provide participating leaders with thorough security services during the summit,” said Eo Cheong-soo, head of the presidential security service. Cheong Wa Dae displayed security equipment to be used during the event. Prior to the

Mar 1, 2012

Restoration of Sungnyemun

By Shim Hyun-chul In the rapidly expanding forest of skyscrapers in Seoul, one modest architectural structure stands proudly. Songnyemun, National Treasure No.1. A fire engulfed the wooden gate four years ago ― now the country’s master craftsmen are dedicating their time and talent to revive the historical monument. Currently, the project is three-quarters accomplished. Carpenters are assembling the gatehouse on the second level. The administration plans to complete the frame by the end of June. East of the site was originally slanted, but with the development of roads the ground level was lowered. They will be installing stonework to even the ground. The administration is striving to use material similar to the original structure. Each piece of wood is shaped by hand. Even the tools used for restoration were made specifically for this project. For the “dancheong” (traditional multicolored paintwork on wooden buildings), the agency will primarily use blue and green to create an elegant exterior. The highlight will be “sangnyangsik,” ceremony of putting up

Feb 23, 2012

Mt. Yongmun, Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province

By Shim Hyun-chul In celebration of the Year of the Dragon, tourists are flocking to sites related to the mystical creature. Mt. Yongmun is one of them as the name translates to “dragon’s gate.” The 1,157-meter high mountain sits between Yangpyeong and Yokcheon in Gyeonggi Province. It is lies between Mt. Bongmi to the east and Mt. Daebu to the west. Mt. Yongmun and Mt. Jungwon form a deep canyon. The water flowing from the gorge leads to a beautiful waterfall comparable to scenery at Mt. Geumgang. The north side of the mountain is flatter than the south. An information panel at the foot of the mountain indicates the difficulty levels of all paths, allowing hikers to pick appropriate courses. The area was a restricted military zone until November 2007. At the peak of the mountain, Gasupbong, there are remains of the time before it was open to the public. There one can enjoy an unhindered view of the area. At the southeast foot of the mountain is Yongmun Temple. The Buddhist temple was built in the second year of King Seondeok’s regime during the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C

Feb 16, 2012

Military draft registration

By Shim Hyun-chul “You’re fit for military service!” The Seoul Regional Military Manpower Administration carries out year-round health check-ups and administrative registrations. Young nervous-looking men fill the room, each holding a registration card issued on arrival. It is called a “Love My Country Card,” which is also used for payment during national service. This process is the first encounter with conscription for all Korean men over 18. The check-up involves tests of psychological and physical health, while the administrative process assigns new entrants to different posts, based on their backgrounds and preferences, in theory. After a few hours, the men are divided into five different categories, in order of fitness: active duty, reserve duty, secondary reserves, eligible conscription status and secondary conscription status. Once the system rules that the given man is eligible for active duty, he will enter the military the following year on a randomized basis, unless he has submitted requests for specific branches of service. Some of the possibilities incl

Feb 9, 2012

Rite of spring and full moon

By Shim Hyun-chul The country is covered with snow, and the subzero temperatures have gripped both the bodies and minds of everyone in the country. Even the thickest clothes flutter in the icy wind. But premature as it may seem, the bright sunlight and crisp air, forebode spring. And the lunar calendar confirms that “Ipchun,” the first day of spring, falls on Saturday. “Daeborum,” the first full moon of the lunar calendar, follows two days later. Already the moon is fattening itself up in preparation for the traditional festivities. The first day of spring is traditionally, celebrated with “ipchuncheop,” a handwritten poster with greetings for the change in seasons and good wishes. The most common phrases include “ip-chun-dae-gil,” or “may the coming of spring be blessed with great happiness,” and “geon-yang-da-gyeong,” which is roughly translated to “great news and good luck will take place in the new year.” The full moon was an important event during the agricultural period. Festivities included bonfires in the fields and smaller fires inside a can. The latter woul

Feb 2, 2012

Special Forces’ winter survival exercise

By Shim Hyun-chul Every winter, Special Forces troops undergo an extreme survival exercise on a snowy mountain in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province. The biting-cold temperature is no excuse for soldiers to skip the grueling nine-day annual training that continues until February. They practice infiltration skills as they wade through thick snow or glide down slopes with a rifle and a 30-kilogram pack. Shirtless soldiers hurl snow at their best chests, break thick ice and submerge themselves in icy water without a moment’s hesitation at temperatures below minus 20 degrees Celsius. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Kim Sang-ki also participated in the exercise, eating MREs (meal, ready to eat) and skiing together with the young soldiers to boost morale. “Today, I’m here to be one of you, Special Forces soldiers, and to undergo training together,” Kim said.

Jan 26, 2012

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